Growing numbers of older adults are embracing the digital realm to access their health information and engage in virtual healthcare, a recent poll reveals. According to the University of Michigan National Poll on Healthy Aging, 78% of individuals aged 50 to 80 have utilized at least one patient portal, a notable increase from the 51% recorded five years ago. Among those with portal access, 55% have utilized the platform within the past month, with 49% maintaining accounts on multiple portals.

Nonetheless, this surge in digital health engagement has exposed significant disparities among older adults. Certain demographic groups are less inclined to utilize patient portals or harbor concerns regarding their use. Respondents with annual household incomes below $60,000 and individuals who identify as Black or Hispanic demonstrate lower rates of portal usage and express less comfort with their use compared to higher-income or non-Hispanic white participants.

A persistent trend

Moreover, variations persist among older adults who do not utilize portals or have refrained from doing so for three or more years. Individuals reporting fair or poor physical or mental health exhibit significantly lower confidence in their ability to log in to portals and navigate them effectively compared to those in better health.

Interestingly, even among older adults who have embraced online portals, the poll indicates a continued preference for traditional phone calls when it comes to certain tasks, such as scheduling appointments or seeking medical advice. While portal users generally express a preference for digital interactions for tasks like accessing test results or requesting prescription refills, the human touch of phone conversations remains valued for specific purposes.

As older adults increasingly embrace digital healthcare options, it is crucial to address the disparities that hinder equitable access. Efforts should focus on ensuring affordability, improving digital literacy, and enhancing user experiences to encourage widespread adoption and maximize the benefits of patient portals for all older adults.

Equitable access

“This change makes access to secure portals even more important for older adults who want to see their doctors and other health care providers virtually. It also makes the disparities we found in our poll even more troubling,” the researchers explain. “Improving the functionality and accessibility of portal systems, as well as providing more outreach and training to help patients understand and use portal systems, will be crucial to improving equity.”

Patient portals now offer the option for users to grant access to their health information to loved ones, and 49% of portal users have done so, up from 43% in 2018. Among portal users, 40% have given access to their spouse or partner, with men (48%) more likely to do so than women (32%). This trend highlights the growing recognition of the value of involving trusted individuals in healthcare management.

“A growing body of evidence shows that patients who use portals to access their information are more likely to take an active role in their care and stick to the treatment plan their physicians and other providers recommend, which we know is likely to lead to better outcomes,” the authors continue.

More support needed

According to the researchers, a notable 27% of respondents who utilized a patient portal in the past year expressed a desire for additional training. Among individuals who haven’t used a patient portal recently, as well as those who identify as Black, Hispanic, or have incomes below $60,000, the percentage seeking more training was even higher.

This underscores the importance of addressing the need for further education and support, particularly among underrepresented groups, to ensure equitable access and utilization of patient portals.

“Research shows that while more older Americans are embracing technology, nearly 22 million seniors still do not have wireline broadband access at home, limiting their access to essential digital health care services like patient portals,” they conclude. “Closing the digital divide among older adults is critical to improving their wellbeing, especially for vulnerable communities and individuals.”